Animal coat

ABSTRACT

An animal coat and method of making the coat for protection and insulation of domestic and undomestic animals. The coat includes a first and second lateral strap positioned behind the animal front legs which pass under the animal chest and engage one another in an overlapping fashion. The coat further includes a chest strap passing between the front legs for overlapping engagement with the lateral straps to easily secure and remove the coat from the animal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/346,196, filed Oct. 19, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to protective clothing for animals,particularly a coat for animals having protective and insulatingproperties.

BACKGROUND

Articles for use in protecting animals from physical harm and insulatingthem from harsh environments have been around as long as animals havebeen held as domestic pets and as valuable undomesticated animals. Withthe increased domestication and integration into family life ofhousehold pets, it has become increasingly popular to include pets inall family events, exposing them to environments that are atypical totheir breed or vary from their day-to-day lives. It is also increasinglypopular to afford domestic pets human luxuries such as fashionableouterwear.

Prior art garments that protect common household pets, for example,dogs, during field exercises or hunting conditions, include complexshapes and pads having multiple pieces that need to be secured togetheron the animal and, depending on the level of protection required, arebulky and cumbersome.

Prior art garments with insulating properties further comprise multiplepieces requiring at least partial assembly on the animal. Such devicesincorporate numerous points of attachment around the animal, requiringdifficult movements by the user, such as bending and kneeling down foran extended period, to position the garment on the animal and thensecure it. The highly active nature of animals, particularly caninepuppies and young dogs, renders the difficult and complex installationof such garments even more trying. Prior art insulating garments furtherfail in many instances from adequately insulating the upper ears, neckand chest portions of animals and are not readily adaptive to protectthe head without bulky hoods or caps.

Prior art designs due to the complex, multi-piece design and attachmentschemes noted above, further make the garment expensive, difficult tomanufacture and more importantly, difficult to install and use both forthe user and the animal.

Consequently, it would be desirable to provide an animal coat improvingon the problematic conditions in the prior art and to provide a coatwhich is inexpensive, facilitates manufacturing and assembly, and iseasy to secure, use and remove while affording substantial protection tothe animal from harsh environments.

SUMMARY

The inventive coat for placement over the body or torso of a dog orother animal comprises a front portion and a neck portion positioned insurrounding relation to the animal's neck forming an opening to placethe animal's head through. The coat further includes first and secondsides extending rearward over the body of the animal ending in a rearportion adjacent the animal's hind quarters. The animal coat includes atleast one lateral strap positioned rearward of the front legs extendingfrom one of the sides underneath the animal and attaching to theopposing side. A chest strap attached to the neck portion extendsrearward between the front legs and is easily and removably secured tothe lateral strap beneath the chest of the animal.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the coat substantially coversthe body rearward of the ears and includes a first and an opposingsecond lateral strap positioned around the lower chest rearward of thefront legs. The first and second lateral straps include a first meansfor attaching the straps together in an overlapping manner in the formof complementary hook-and-loop material patches, for example, attachedto the respective straps. The chest strap extends rearward substantiallycovering the chest area and removably attaches in an overlapping mannerto at least one of the first and second lateral straps by a second meansfor attachment, preferably, opposing hook-and-loop material patches.

In another preferred aspect of the invention, the front and neckportions of the coat are sufficient in length and clearance to easilypull forward and partially cover the animal's ears and head forprotection during intermediate rain, wind gusts or severe weather. Inanother preferred aspect of the invention, the rear portion of the coveradjacent the animal's hind quarters is extended and tapered to conformto the general shape of the animal to further protect this area.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent upon reading the following specification, which, along with thedrawings, describes and discloses preferred and alternative aspects ofthe invention in detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the inventive animal coat as worn by, forexample, a dog;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the animal coat as worn by a dog;

FIG. 3 is a partial bottom view of the animal coat as worn by a dogshowing attachment of the first and second lateral straps and the cheststrap;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the animal coat in showing the first andsecond lateral straps and the chest strap unattached to one another;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a two material layer animal coat in an earlystage of assembly showing a partial cut-a-way of material;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a two material layer animal coat in a subsequentstage of assembly showing a partial cut-a-way of material; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of a two material animal coat in a late stage ofassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, an animal coat 10 of the present invention isillustrated. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the animal coat 10 of thepresent invention is positioned over the body of an animal, for exampleas illustrated in FIG. 1, a dog. It is understood the invention isequally applicable to any animal having a head 14, neck 15, body ortorso 16, chest 17, front legs 18 and hind quarters 25. The invention isequally usable on an animal having a tail 19. While the invention, aswill be apparent, is designed for all kinds of domesticated andundomesticated animals, a particularly useful application is for caninesand for this reason, and for simplicity of discussion, canines will beprimarily referred to hereafter.

The animal coat 10 includes a front portion 20 and neck portion 26adapted to be positioned around the neck 15 of the dog as shown in FIGS.1-3. Front portion 20 has a front edge 22 which is positioned aroundneck 15 and, in one aspect of the invention, sufficient material isprovided so that edge 22 may be extended up neck 15 and positioned overthe dog's ears 21 partially covering head 14 or at least substantiallycovering neck 15 (shown in phantom line in FIG. 1). As best seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, neck portion 26 includes a relief 23 on the underside ofthe dog's neck 15 which facilitates movement of head 14 and jawparticularly, when front edge 22 is positioned over the dog's ears 21.In a preferred aspect, FIG. 2 shows front portion 20 further includingan access opening 24 on the back or top side of coat 10 to permitattachment of a leash or other device to the dog's collar forconvenience during walks and other times of desired limited mobility ofthe dog. Access opening 24 can be positioned in other places on coat 10to accommodate alternative restraining devices such as harnesses and thelike.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, coat 10 further includes a neck portion 26which, along with front portion 20, defines an opening 27 through whichthe dog's head 14 is passed through when installing or removing theanimal coat 10 from the dog. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, coat 10 furtherincludes a first side 40 and a second side 42 extending rearward fromthe first portion 20 and neck portion 26 substantially covering the bodybetween the front legs 18 and hind quarters 25. Animal coat 10 furtherincludes a rear portion 30 extending rearward from the first 40 andsecond 42 side portions adjacent to the hind quarters 25 of the dog.Rear portion 30 includes a rear edge 32. In a preferred aspect of theinvention, rear portion 30 includes a tapered portion 38 which extendsbeyond the intersection of the hind quarters 25 and tail 19 and iscontoured to wrap around the hind quarters 25 of the dog as best seen inFIGS. 1 and 2. Depending on the animal or breed of dog, rear portion 30may alternately be shorter to not cover the tail or longer where theneed arises to further protect the animal from the environment.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, coat 10 further includes a chest strap50 extending from neck portion 26 between the front legs 18 toward therear of the dog. Chest strap 50 includes a first side 52 adjacent theanimal in an installed position, an opposing second side 52 and a rearedge 54. Chest strap 50, when desired, for example, for use in coldtemperatures, substantially covers chest 17 of the dog to minimize heatlost leaving openings 86 for the front legs 18 as best seen in FIG. 3.In ambient or high temperatures, chest strap 50 may be narrower topermit increased ventilation while maintaining a secure position on thedog.

Coat 10 further preferably includes a first lateral strap 70 extendingfrom first side 40 of coat 10 as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Firstlateral strap 70 includes a third side 72 adjacent the dog in aninstalled position, an opposing fourth side 73 and distal end 74. In apreferred aspect of the invention, first lateral strap 70 is integralwith first side 40 and extends underneath the body 16 and chest 17rearward of front legs 18 and is of sufficient length such that distalend 74 extends beyond the middle of chest 17 as best seen in FIG. 3.

Coat 10 preferably includes an opposing second lateral strap 80. Secondlateral strap 80 includes a fifth side 82 adjacent the dog in aninstalled position, an opposing sixth side 83 and distal end 84. In apreferred aspect of the invention, second lateral strap 80 is integralwith opposing side 40 and extends underneath body 16 and chest 17rearward of front legs 18 and is of sufficient length such that distalend 84 extends beyond the middle of chest 18. In an installed positionas shown in FIG. 3, second lateral strap 80 is in substantial alignmentand in overlapping fashion with first lateral strap 70.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, first 70 and second 80lateral straps are unified into a single lateral strap, not shown, whichextends from either the first 40 or second 42 side portions and wrapsaround the underside of the dog to the opposing side portion to besecured to the opposing side portion by a first means for attaching asdescribed further below.

The preferred first 70 and second 80 lateral straps include a firstmeans for attaching 76 the respective straps together when placed in anoverlapping fashion as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. In a preferred aspectof the invention, first means for fastening includes opposing andcomplementary hook-and-loop patches, such as VELCRO, attached to thefirst 70 and second 80 lateral straps. As best seen in FIG. 4, in apreferred aspect of the invention, first lateral strap 70 includes ahook patch 78 sewn into the fourth side 73 (shown as hidden lines).Second lateral strap 80 includes an opposing and complementary looppatch 79 sewn into the fifth side 82.

Second lateral strap 80 further includes a second attaching means 98,preferably, a hook material patch 102 sewn on the sixth side 83 (shownas hidden lines). Chest strap 50 includes the complementary secondfastening means preferably, a loop material patch 104, sewn into thefirst side 52 of chest strap 50 as best seen in FIG. 4 (shown as hiddenlines). Second fastening means loop patch 104 as shown on chest strap 50and hook patch 102 on second lateral strap 80 are positioned such thatwhen second lateral strap 80 is positioned in overlapping fashion withfirst lateral strap 70, loop patch 104 on chest strap 50 generouslyoverlaps and easily engages with hook patch 102 which is now exposed anddirectly opposed to loop patch 104 on chest strap 50 as best seen inFIG. 3. It is understood that first lateral strap 70 may be used tooverlap second lateral strap 80 provided the hook-and-loop patches onthe straps are exchanged between straps.

In an alternate aspect, a single lateral strap , for example, firstlateral strap 70, may be used as previously described. In this aspect,not shown, first lateral strap 70 is extended from first side 40 to wraparound chest 17 rearward of front legs 18 and attach to second sideportion 42 by the first attaching means 76. In this aspect, firstattaching means 76 includes a loop patch, not shown, attached to thirdside 72 and a complementary hook patch, not shown, is attached to secondside portion 42 in a position where the loop patch easily overlaps andengages the hook patch.

Although first attaching means 76 and second attaching means 98 havebeen described as hook-and-loop fastening patches preferably sewn intofirst 70 and second lateral straps 80 and chest strap 50, it isunderstood that other means for fastening could be employed for example,opposing mechanical devices such as snaps, magnetically attractivesurfaces, releasable and reusable adhesives, and other similar devicesthat easily and securely fasten on contact with little or no pressureneeded from the installer. Alternate common fastening means such asbuttons, hooks and clasps may also be used but are less preferred due tothe time and increased physical effort generally required to engage anddisengaged them.

Animal coat 10 is manufactured from one or more layers of material, theselection of material and number of layers being largely dependent onthe animal, environment, the particular need, or the desired effect ofthe coat 10. In one aspect of the invention, coat 10 is manufacturedfrom 2 layers of material for use in insulating the dog from coldtemperatures. A suitable material for cold temperatures is two layers ofheavy-weight fleece material that are sewn together with heavy dutystitching as described hereafter. It is understood that other materialshaving less or additional layers may be used to accommodate theparticular animal or environments exposed to including water repellantcoatings or fabrics sold under the trademarks EXTREME and GORE-TEX onthe aforementioned fleece material or other lightweight materials formild or warm environments. Equally, very lightweight and/or reflectivematerials and coatings may be used to help keep an animal cool andprotect the animal from harmful sunlight and exposure to ultravioletrays. It is further understood that the present invention coat 10 may bealtered in areas to accommodate the particular animal or environment.For example, in warm climates, it may be desirable to narrow chest strap50, and/or shorten the front 20 and neck portions 26 such that frontedge 22 provides minimal coverage to neck 15 of the animal to maximizeheat dissipation in the area. Likewise, rear portion 30 may be shortenedto minimally cover the hind quarters 25 of the animal maximizing heatdissipation and freedom of movement.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in operation, animal coat 10 is applied orinstalled on the dog by releasing or separating the first 76 and second98 attaching means by separating chest strap 50 from second lateralstrap 80, and second lateral strap 80 from first lateral strap 70 asbest seen in FIG. 4. Animal coat 10 is then installed on the dog byplacing the dog's head 14 through coat opening 27 and pulling rearportion 30 rearward towards the hind quarters 25 as best seen in FIGS. 1and 2. In this position, chest strap 50 and first 70 and second 80lateral straps hang in position adjacent chest 17 and the sides of thedog rearward of front legs 18 respectively. In a preferred aspect of theinvention, the installer will grasp first lateral strap 70 and secondlateral strap 80 and position first lateral strap 70 across theunderside of chest 17 such that distal end 74 extends beyond thecenterline or mid portion of chest 17 as best seen in FIG. 3.Simultaneously, or shortly thereafter, second lateral strap 80 will beequally positioned across chest 17 such that distal end 84 extendsbeyond the center line or mid section of the dog engaging in overlappingfashion first lateral strap 70. In this position, first attaching means76 on first lateral strap 70 and second lateral strap 80 and placed inengaging relationship which firmly secures the straps to one anotheradjacent the chest 17. In this position, hook patch 102 on the sixthside 83 of second lateral strap 80 is exposed in a predominantlydownward and potentially slightly forward direction as best seen inFIGS. 1 and 3.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, upon securement of first 70 andsecond lateral strap 80 chest strap 50 is swung or urged between frontlegs 18 toward the rear of the dog toward the exposed hook patch 102 onsecond lateral strap 80. The loop patch 104 attached to the first sideof chest strap 50, on the momentum imposed by the installer to cheststrap 50, or by direct pressure, comes in contact with the opposing hookpatch 102 on second lateral strap 80 and secures chest strap 50 inoverlapping fashion to second lateral strap 80. Once chest strap 50 issecured to second lateral strap 80, the animal coat 10 is installed andready for use. Depending on the animal and application, adjustment ofone or more areas of coat 10 may be employed to suit the animal orenvironment for example, extending neck portion 20 and front edge 22over the dog's ears 21 or fully extending rear portion 30 over the hindquarters 25 of the animal.

Animal coat 10 is removed from the animal in a reverse fashionseparating chest strap 50 from second lateral strap 80 and thereafter,second lateral strap 80 from first lateral strap 70. The animal head 14is then gently placed through coat opening 27.

As seen from the figures and description of the invention, animal coat10 is easily installable on the animal with minimal effort by the userparticularly, securement of chest strap 50 as described in the preferredaspect. When secured in place, chest strap 50 and first 70 and secondlateral straps 80 substantially cover and protect chest area 17 and theunderside of the animal rearward of front legs 18 thereby providingsubstantial protection of the vital areas of the animal from foreignobjects and harsh environments. In position toward the rear of theanimal, chest strap 50 is not easily dislodged as in forward motion ofthe animal, grass and other debris urge chest strap 50 rearward furtherfortifying engagement of second attaching means 98. This attachingarrangement in effect provides a double locking device preventingundesired dislodgement, yet is easy to install and remove through simplemovements by the installer.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, coat 10 is reversible so that inan alternative orientation, the inner material, normally against thedog's skin or fur, is worn as the outer surface away from the dog's fur.This is accomplished by turning the front 20 and neck 26 portions insideout as can be visualized from FIG. 4 (shaded portion inverted to be onthe inside or nonvisible side of opening 27). In this alternate,reversed orientation, application on the dog is similar except thatchest strap 50 is first placed against the chest 17 followed by secondlateral strap 80 in overlapping fashion of chest strap 50 to engagesecond attaching means 98 to hold chest strap 50 and second lateralstrap 80 in position underneath the chest 17. First lateral strap 70 isthen positioned underneath chest 17 and placed in overlapping relationto second lateral strap 80 thereby engaging first attaching means 76 ina similar fashion. This ability of being able to alternate the materialexposed to the elements and the dog provides flexibility in the usageand extends the useful and cosmetic life of coat 10.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, animal coat 10 is made from afirst layer of material 110 and a second layer of material 120 that aresewn together as best seen in FIGS. 4-7. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, thepreferred method of making and assembling a two material layer animalcoat 10 is illustrated and described. Referring to FIG. 5, a first layer110 of raw or bulk material having a first thickness, a first side 112serving as the intended finished product outer surface (shown hatchedfor purposes of clarity) and a second side 114 is folded along line Asuch that the first sides 112 face one another and the second sides 114face outward. A pattern (not shown) having a shape substantially similarto that shown in FIG. 5 and previously described is used to cut coat 10from the overlapping, double thick first material 110. The pattern isremoved and the two thicknesses of material are then sewn together withstitches, for simplification illustrated as “x” 92 along the neckportion 26 and chest strap 50 forming a center seam 28, first cheststrap 130, first head opening 132 and rear taper 38 as shown in FIG. 5.The order of sewing in this operation is not important. Where a twomaterial layer coat 10 is desired, this cutting and sewing process iscarried out a second time on a second layer of material 120 having asecond thickness, third side 122 intended to be the outer/finished sideand a fourth side 124. This produces a second chest strap 140, secondhead opening 142, a center seam 28 and a rear taper 38 substantiallyidentical to first material layer 110. Material layers 110 and 120 maybe from the same or different material depending on the performance andaesthetic characteristics desired.

When constructing a two layer coat 10, an assembler would take one ofthe material pieces for example, first material layer 110, and separatethe unsewn thicknesses from one another and place layer 110 flat on asurface with the intended outer surface, side 112, facing in an upwardor exposed direction. The second material layer 120 is opened up in asimilar fashion, turned over and laid flat atop the first layer 110 suchthat third/finish side 122 is facing down and aligned with first side112 as shown in FIG. 6. Stitches, for simplicity illustrated as “•” 94,are used to sew the first 110 and second 120 material layers togetheradjacent the outer edges of the first 130 and second 140 chest straps,forming chest strap 50, lateral straps 70 and 80, side portions 40 and42, and rear portion 38 illustrated in FIG. 6. At this stage, materiallayers 110 and 120 are joined together along the entire periphery exceptalong front edges 22 leading to first head opening 132 and second headopening 142 as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Following attachment by stitches 94, the maker will reach throughopening 132 or 134 and turn the entire assembly inside-out from itselfby the gentle pulling of material layers 110 and 120 through and outopening 132 or 134 which, when completed, leaves the user with the sewncoat 10 having finished sides 112 and 122 on the outside or exposedsurface of coat 10 as best seen in FIG. 7.

Following this procedure, and minor manipulation of material includingfront portions 20, and first 132 and second 142 head openings inconcentric orientation to one another forming opening 27, additionalstitches 96, for simplicity shown as “+,” are placed circumferentiallyaround front edge 22 joining first material layer 110 and secondmaterial layer 120 together around opening 27 without compromising thethrough opening 27. First 110 and second 120 material layers are lastlyand preferably joined by topstitch-type stitching 88 all along theperipheral edges as shown in FIG. 7 for strength and added appearance.Although described as first applying stitches 96 prior to topstitches88, the order of sewing may be reversed.

The first attaching means 76 and second attaching means 98 hook-and-looppatches are now sewn on the first lateral strap 70, second lateral strap80 and chest strap 50 as illustrated and described above. In a preferredaspect, as best seen in FIG. 4, a patch having hooks 78 is sewn to thefourth side 73 of first lateral strap 70 as well as hook patch 102 tothe sixth side 83 of second lateral strap 80. Loop patches 79 and 104are preferably sewn to fifth side 82 of second lateral strap 80 andfirst side 52 of chest strap 50 respectively.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, an access opening 24 is then cutthrough the coat 10 where desired and the raw edges are sewn andfinished similar to a button hole to prevent tearing or fraying as bestseen in FIG. 2. This opening may be used to access the animal's collaror harness to attach a leash or other lead.

Where it is desired for coat 10 to alternately be made from a singlelayer of material, for example, first material layer 110, the processsimilarly begins with folding the material 110 along line A and cuttingthe double layers in a shape similar to that shown in FIG. 5. Stitches“X” 92 along the neck portion 26 and chest strap 50 are made to formfirst opening 132 as previously described. The partially sewn assemblyis then turned inside out by pulling the material through first opening132 as previously described. The alternate coat 10 is completed bypreferably folding over of the raw peripheral edges and sewing thefolded over edging using topstitch-type stitching 88 along theperipheral edges and circumference of first opening 132, forming opening27 to prevent fraying and to make a finished looking edge and product.

1. An animal coat for use on an animal having a head, a neck, a chest, abody, front legs and hind quarters, the animal coat comprising: a frontportion and a neck portion, the front and the neck portions positionablein surrounding relation to the neck of the animal defining an openingadapted to receive the animal head therethrough; a first side portionand an opposing second side portion extending rearward from the frontportion and the neck portion postionable adjacent to the animal body; achest strap extending from the neck portion rearward positionablebetween the animal front legs adjacent the animal chest; at least onelateral strap extending from the first side portion rearward of theanimal front legs, the lateral strap having a distal end opposite thefirst side portion; first means for removably attaching the distal endof the lateral strap to the second side portion in surrounding relationto the animal chest; and second means for removably attaching the cheststrap in overlapping relation to the lateral strap beneath the animalchest.
 2. The animal coat of claim 1 wherein the at least one lateralstrap further comprises a first lateral strap extending from the firstside portion partially around the animal chest and an opposing secondlateral strap extending from the second side portion partially aroundthe animal chest, the second lateral strap removably overlappingattached to the first lateral strap by the first means for attachment.3. The animal coat of claim 2 wherein the first means is positionablebeneath the animal chest.
 4. The animal coat of claim 2 10 wherein thefirst and the second lateral straps are approximately equal in lengthand extend beyond a mid-portion of the animal chest.
 5. The animal coatof claim 1 wherein the front portion and the neck portion are adapted tobe pulled forward over the animal neck and cover a portion of the animalhead.
 6. The animal coat of claim 1 10 wherein the neck portion definesa relief under the animal head for increased movement of the animalhead.
 7. The animal coat of claim 1 10 further comprising a rear portionextending from the first and the second side portions adjacent to theanimal hind quarters.
 8. The animal coat of claim 7 wherein the rearportion includes a tapered portion partially covering the animal hindquarters.
 9. The animal coat of claim 1 wherein at least one of thefirst attaching means and the second attaching means comprises opposingand complementary hook and loop material patches.
 10. An animal coat foruse on an animal having a head, a neck, a chest, a body, front legs andhind quarters, the animal coat comprising: a front portion and a neckportion, the front and the neck portions adapted to be positioned insurrounding relation to the animal neck and define an opening adapted toreceive the animal head therethrough; a first side portion and anopposing second side portion extending rearward from the front portionand the neck portion adjacent the animal body; a chest strap extendingfrom the neck portion rearward between the animal front legs adjacentthe animal chest, the chest strap having a first side adjacent theanimal body and an opposing second side; a first lateral strap extendingfrom the first side portion rearward of the animal front legs, the firstlateral strap having a third side adjacent the animal body and anopposing fourth side; a second lateral strap extending from the secondside portion rearward of the animal front legs, the second lateral straphaving a fifth side adjacent the animal body and an opposing sixth side;first means for removably attaching the first and the second lateralstraps in overlapping relation to one another around the animal chest;and second means for attaching the chest strap to at least one of thefirst and the second lateral straps in overlapping relation adjacent theanimal chest wherein the first means for attachment is positioned on thefourth side of the first lateral strap and the fifth side of the secondlateral strap side for overlapping and aligned engagement of the fifthside over the fourth side.
 11. The animal coat of claim 10 wherein thefirst means for attachment is positioned on the fourth side of the firstlateral strap and the fifth side of the second lateral strap side foroverlapping and aligned engagement of the fifth side over the fourthside.
 12. The animal coat of claim 10 An animal coat for use on ananimal having a head, a neck, a chest, a body, front legs and hindquarters, the animal coat comprising: a front portion and a neckportion, the front and the neck portions adapted to be positioned insurrounding relation to the animal neck and define an opening adapted toreceive the animal head therethrough; a first side portion and anopposing second side portion extending rearward from the front portionand the neck portion adjacent the animal body; a chest strap extendingfrom the neck portion rearward between the animal front legs adjacentthe animal chest, the chest strap having a first side adjacent theanimal body and an opposing second side; a first lateral strap extendingfrom the first side portion rearward of the animal front legs, the firstlateral strap having a third side adjacent the animal body and anopposing fourth side; a second lateral strap extending from the secondside portion rearward of the animal front legs, the second lateral straphaving a fifth side adjacent the animal body and an opposing sixth side;first means for removably attaching the first and the second lateralstraps in overlapping relation to one another around the animal chest;and second means for attaching the chest strap to at least one of thefirst and the second lateral straps in overlapping relation adjacent theanimal chest wherein the second means for attachment is positioned onthe first side of the chest strap and the sixth side of the secondlateral strap for overlapping and aligned engagement of the first sideover the sixth side.
 13. The animal coat of claim 10 wherein the frontand the neck portions are adapted to be pulled up the animal neck andcover a portion of the animal head.
 14. The animal coat of claim 10wherein at least one of the first and the second attaching meanscomprises opposing and complementary hook and loop material patches. 15.The animal coat of claim 12, wherein the front portion and the neckportion are adapted to be pulled forward over the animal neck and covera portion of the animal the animal head.
 16. The animal coat of claim12, wherein the neck portion defines a relief under the animal head forincreased movement of the animal head.
 17. The animal coat of claim 12,wherein the rear portion extending from the first and second sideportions adjacent to the animal hind quarters.
 18. The animal coat ofclaim 17, wherein the rear portion includes a tapered portion partiallycovering the animal hind quarters.
 19. The animal coat of claim 12,wherein the means for removably connecting the chest strap to the firstand second side portions comprises opposing and complementary hook andloop material patches.